Are you tired of feeling stressed and anxious all the time? Do you wish you could find a way to quiet your mind and just relax?
Well, my friend, have I got the solution for you: meditation! But before you roll your eyes and click away, hear me out. I promise, starting a meditation practice doesn't have to be as intimidating as you might think. In fact, it can be downright hilarious.
First of all, let's get one thing straight: you don't have to sit cross-legged and chant "ohm" to meditate. Sure, that might work for some people, but if that's not your cup of tea (or chai latte, or whatever your preferred beverage may be), that's totally okay. Meditation is about finding a way to focus your mind and be present in the moment, and there are countless ways to do that.
One of my favorite ways to meditate is through mindful eating. Next time you sit down to a meal, take a moment to really look at your food. Take in the colours, the textures, the smells. Take a bite, and chew slowly, savoring the flavors. This can be especially fun (and funny) if you're eating something particularly delicious, like a gooey chocolate chip cookie or a perfectly crispy french fry. Just try not to drool all over yourself.
Another great way to meditate is through movement. Yoga, tai chi, and qigong are all forms of moving meditation. Not only do they get your body moving, but they also require you to focus on your breath and your movements, helping to calm your mind. Plus, if you're anything like me, you'll probably end up laughing at yourself for falling over during tree pose or trying to do the splits.
If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can even try "laughing meditation." Yep, you read that right. All you have to do is sit or stand in a comfortable position, take a deep breath, and let out a big belly laugh. Keep laughing for a few minutes, and you'll find that your mind becomes clearer and more relaxed. Bonus: you'll also give yourself a great workout.
But what if you're not feeling particularly joyful or silly? What if you're just feeling plain old stressed out? That's where "breathing meditation" comes in.
Find a comfortable spot to sit, close your eyes and focus on your breath. Notice the sensation of the air moving in and out of your nose and into your lungs. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to your breath. This can be helpful to do throughout the day, particularly when you are feeling overwhelmed.
The key to starting a meditation practice is to find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference in how you feel. And remember, it's okay to be a little silly or goofy while you're meditating. In fact, it can make the whole experience more enjoyable. So go forth, my friends, and find your inner zen.
So, as you can see meditation doesn't have to be serious and boring, there are so many ways to make it fun and enjoyable. Just find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine. Happy meditating!
Over the coming days, weeks and months I will be giving you techniques and ways to make it work for you; but for now, if you're not quite ready to hum for half an hour, just laugh and really notice how you feel. Notice the physical feelings alongside the mental feelings, and laugh about it.
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